The author's father, a descendant of California “Mission Indians,” whose turbulent personality and actions significantly impact the author's life and understanding of her Indigenous heritage.

The author’s mother, known as “Midgie,” who is of European descent and grapples with personal struggles that affect her presence in her daughter's life.

Miranda’s half sister, who contributes to preserving Indigenous language and culture and plays a pivotal role in revealing family truths to the author.

The author’s paternal grandfather, whose recorded memories provide a vital connection to family history and cultural identity.

The author’s paternal great-grandfather, representing a generational link to the California missions, about whom Miranda knows little.

The author’s half brother who shares aspects of their father's Indigenous heritage and whose childhood experiences prompt protective actions from the author.

A historical figure related by marriage, who worked to preserve Esselen language and stories crucial for future generations' understanding of Indigenous experiences.

An ethnologist whose work documenting California Indigenous languages and narratives, including those of Isabel Meadows, significantly informs the author’s exploration of cultural preservation.